Aced Centre brings warmth and meals to over 200 people for Mandela Day

The Academic Citizen Economic Development Centre (Aced) opened its doors to feed the Kliptown and Eldorado Park communities on Mandela Day on 78 Boundary Road.

The centre targets residents in need, particularly children and those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

The Aced offers various programmes for children, including a diversion programme for children in conflict with the law.

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For instance, a court might refer children who commit petty crimes, such as stealing a chocolate or minor assault, to the centre, which works with those children to improve their behaviour.

Other programmes include crime prevention. The centre visits schools to teach younger children about the consequences of committing crimes.

Children also learn basic literacy skills, including reading and writing, from a primary school level.

Olwethu Mlanjana, an Aced social worker, said employees contributed funds from their pockets to make the event successful.

“The Department of Social Development funds us, but those funds are not intended for initiatives like this. They are to cover salaries and the operational costs for our programmes.”

He explained that with their limited resources, they prepared dumplings and a healthy vegetable soup for over 200 people.

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Mlanjana said they would like to run the feeding scheme daily to make a meaningful impact, but unfortunately, a lack of funding prevents them from pursuing the idea.

“On this particular day, we decided to do something. Although it may not have a huge impact, at least we will feel satisfied that we helped people within these 67 minutes.

“The idea stems from the fact that Nelson Mandela helped people, so we want to do the same in his remembrance.”

Centre manager Clint Langson said their Mandela Day programme aligned with their crime prevention initiatives.

During the 67 minutes, they handed out information pamphlets about drug abuse to attendees.

“These men are not just servicing the community; they are part of us.

“They are part and parcel of our security network, ensuring that vehicles and people are safe, and helping to direct visitors to the centre. This is our way of giving back to them while they are still serving,” he said.

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He added that some of them struggle with substance abuse, so engaging with them and offering holistic support is vital.

“We have to work with them. We have to stand with them. We believe in Kingdom principles, guiding people through the right entrances and exits in life.

Once they are inside, we teach them what is right and what is wrong.

“God calls us to be relevant on Earth. Our lives must touch other lives. That is our true mandate. It was never to make promises, but to live with purpose and impact,” he concluded.